Morning Block: Literacy + Math

Mornings are when we do our biggest academic push. That’s intentional. Kids are fresher, focus is higher, and this is the best time to build the core skills that unlock everything else. This block includes a mix of: Science of Reading (research-backed reading instruction) Secret Stories (memory-based phonics cues) whole group instruction small group instruction teacher-led lessons independent practice targeted intervention for students who need extra support

We include snack breaks in the schedule because it helps students stay focused and regulated. All students receive a mid-morning snack. Pre-K and Kinder students also receive a second mid-afternoon snack, because younger learners need a little extra fuel to finish the day strong.

Lunch + Recess (One hour)

All grades have a one-hour lunch block: 30 minutes for lunch 30 minutes for recess Recess takes place outside on the playground when weather allows. If weather does not cooperate, recess is held indoors in the cafeteria.

Afternoon Block: Movement, Creativity, and Applied Learning

Afternoons shift from core academics into movement, creativity, and hands-on learning. PE and Art Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: PE- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Held in the indoor gym or the park across the street depending on weather) Tuesdays and Thursdays: Art class (alternates with PE)

Last Hour of the Day: Skill Reinforcement + Projects

The final hour of the day depends on grade level: Pre-K and Kinder: Structured free play 1st–3rd: Phonics review and literacy reinforcement Advanced 3rd and 4th–5th: STEAM projects and applied learning This is where students build routine, reinforce key skills, and end the day with purpose.

20 minutes of instruction 10 minutes of movement and reset This includes bathroom breaks, dance breaks, brain breaks, and movement routines that help children build focus, behavior expectations, and learning stamina.

15 to 20 minutes of instruction 20 to 30 minutes of independent or collaborative work short reset breaks as needed This rhythm keeps students engaged, reduces behavior issues, and allows teachers to spot problems early, before they become long-term gaps.

Inside the Classroom: Our Daily Schedule and Literacy-First Approach

Quick Summary
A typical day at Nerd Academy is structured, literacy-first, and mostly screen-free in early grades.

Mornings: Literacy + math, direct instruction, small groups, interventions
Tablets: No tablets in Pre-K to 3rd; older grades use tablets only as a supplement
Snacks: Mid-morning (provided for all students), Mid-afternoon (provided for Pre-K and Kinder)
Lunch + Recess: 1 hour daily (30 minutes lunch, 30 minutes recess)
Afternoons: PE (Mon/Wed/Fri), Art (Tue/Thu), plus review and hands-on projects
End of day: Free play (Pre-K/K), phonics review (1st–3rd), STEAM (advanced grades)
Homework: None, unless needed for intervention support

A Typical Day at Nerd Academy

At Nerd Academy, we do things in a specific order for a reason.

Before we introduce innovative, future-ready skills like STEAM, AI literacy, and coding, we build strong literacy and math foundations early. The transition from learning to read to reading to learn is a turning point in every child’s education. If we want kids to truly benefit from higher-level subjects later on, we have to make sure they can read, understand, and think clearly first.

That’s why a typical day at Nerd Academy is not seven hours of screen time.

We value technology and e-learning, but we treat them as tools, not replacements for direct teaching. Most days involve a lot of teacher-led instruction, pencils and paper, classroom discussion, hands-on projects, and independent work.

Our Approach to Tablets and Technology

Pre-K through 3rd grade classrooms are tablet-free.
Advanced 3rd grade and 4th–5th grade students use tablets as supplements, not as the main way they learn.

Early grades benefit tremendously from tactile learning, writing, building, discussing, and practicing skills in real time. Screens come later, and when they do, they serve a purpose.

No Homework Policy
We also have a no-homework policy, unless a student needs targeted interventions. That means our goal is simple: make the most of the seven hours students are with us each day, and protect family time at home.

The Daily Flow

What your child’s day looks like
Every grade level has a schedule designed around attention span, learning needs, and how children build skills best. The details vary by classroom, but the structure is consistent.

Mornings are when we do our biggest academic push. That’s intentional. Kids are fresher, focus is higher, and this is the best time to build the core skills that unlock everything else.

This block includes a mix of:

Science of Reading (research-backed reading instruction)
Secret Stories (memory-based phonics cues)
whole group instruction
small group instruction
teacher-led lessons
independent practice
targeted intervention for students who need extra support

Instruction blocks match development
Different ages learn differently, so our pacing adjusts.

How Learning Progresses Over Time (Our Phases)

Our daily structure supports a larger philosophy:
If kids cannot read and comprehend well by third grade, everything gets harder.

Not because they are incapable, but because school becomes less about learning basic skills and more about processing information.

That’s why we structure our learning in phases.

Pre-K to 3rd Grade: Build the Foundation

learning through play
science of reading (research backed literacy instruction)
phonics and fluency development
foundational math
confidence and routine building

This phase is all about creating strong readers and stable learners.

Advanced 3rd to 5th Grade: Raise the Ceiling

reading to learn
deeper reasoning and comprehension
higher-level problem solving
advanced projects and real-world thinking
STEAM, AI literacy, and coding introduced in a way that makes sense for kids

This is where students apply skills, not just practice them.

The Nerd Academy Vibe

What students experience beyond the schedule:

Structure matters, but so does the emotional environment.

We want every student to feel seen. That means we pay attention to interactions, not just grades. We help students resolve disagreements, redirect behavior early, set clear expectations, and enforce mutual respect.

We also enforce our anti-bullying policies consistently because we are building more than academic skills.

One day, these students will be neighbors, doctors, business owners, city leaders, law enforcement officers, and community members. We want them to understand early that they do not live in silos. They are growing up with people they will likely interact with for the rest of their lives.

So we teach them how to exist in a community with respect, responsibility, and self-control.

Real parents.
Real results.

Ready to See it In Person?

The best way to understand Nerd Academy is to step inside and see the structure, expectations, and classroom environment in action. We can talk about your child, your goals, and whether we are the right fit.

Schedule a Tour